Issues

Stage Details

Legislation -
Signed
(Executive)
-
Became Public Law No. 103-49 -
July 2, 1993

Legislation -
Bill Passed
(Senate)
(76-16) -
June 30, 1993(Key vote)

Title: GATT Uruguay Round Bill

Vote Result

Yea Votes

Nay Votes

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to allow the President to agree with foreign states to reduce or end trade barriers if the Uruguay Round of multilateral talks under General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) does not initiate such reductions or eliminations by May 31, 1993.

Highlights:

Requires the President to notify the Congress of his intention at least 120 days before entering into such a trade agreement, and to publish his intention in the Federal Register.

NOTE: FAST-TRACK REFERS TO PROCEDURAL CHANGES DESIGNED TO ACCELERATE THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS. THE HOUSE AND SENATE MUST BOTH APPROVE THE USE OF FAST-TRACK PROCEDURES BEFORE THEY CAN BE IMPLEMENTED. THESE PROCEDURES LIMIT THE TIME OF DEBATES AND PROHIBIT OR HEAVILY RESTRICT THE ADDING OF AMENDMENTS TO THE SUBJECTED LEGISLATION. FAST-TRACK PROCEDURES ARE USED MOST OFTEN WHEN CONSIDERING TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.

Requires an advisory committee to provide a report to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Trade Representative 30 days after the President notifies the Congress of his intention to enter into a trade agreement.

Legislation -
Bill Passed
(House)
(295-126) -
June 22, 1993(Key vote)

Title: GATT Uruguay Round Bill

Vote Result

Yea Votes

Nay Votes

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to allow the President to agree with foreign states to reduce or end trade barriers if the Uruguay Round of multilateral talks under General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) does not initiate such reductions or eliminations by May 31, 1993.

Highlights:

Requires the President to notify the Congress of his intention at least 120 days before entering into such a trade agreement, and to publish his intention in the Federal Register.

NOTE: FAST-TRACK REFERS TO PROCEDURAL CHANGES DESIGNED TO ACCELERATE THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS. THE HOUSE AND SENATE MUST BOTH APPROVE THE USE OF FAST-TRACK PROCEDURES BEFORE THEY CAN BE IMPLEMENTED. THESE PROCEDURES LIMIT THE TIME OF DEBATES AND PROHIBIT OR HEAVILY RESTRICT THE ADDING OF AMENDMENTS TO THE SUBJECTED LEGISLATION. FAST-TRACK PROCEDURES ARE USED MOST OFTEN WHEN CONSIDERING TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.

Requires an advisory committee to provide a report to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Trade Representative 30 days after the President notifies the Congress of his intention to enter into a trade agreement.